The spine is the basis of the human skeleton and one of its most important systems. It is he who protects the spinal cord and supports the body in an upright position. In addition, the spine protects the brain from concussion during human movement. This is due to its high cushioning properties. They can be explained by the special structure of the spine - it consists of 24 vertebrae. They are grouped into four departments, united by common properties. Among them, each cervical vertebra is distinguished by large features . The anatomy studied at school does not give a complete picture of this. Therefore, injuries of the cervical spine are so common . And this is very dangerous, since in this place it is quite fragile. And it is advisable for every person to know what features each cervical vertebra has.
Cervical anatomy
The spine performs very important functions to protect the spinal cord. It gives rigidity to the skeleton and softens tremors when walking. In addition, the spine allows you to perform various movements.
After all, it is the basis of the human skeleton, supports the body in an upright position and absorbs shock. Each of its departments has a special number and structure of the vertebrae. Most of them are in the thoracic region, and there they are the largest. The vertebrae in the lower back and sacrum are located very close to each other, gradually growing together with each other to the falcon. The most vulnerable and fragile is the cervical spine. It consists of seven vertebrae, almost each of which has a special structure. At this point, the
spinal column bends slightly forward in the form of the letter “c”. The cervical spine is the most mobile and allows you to perform various head movements. But because of the weak muscles of the neck and the small size of the vertebrae, this place is most often subjected to injuries and damage.
Features of the cervical vertebrae
Inside the spinal column is the spinal cord. Its protection is provided by the special structure of the vertebrae:
- the front section is called the vertebral body and has a cylindrical shape;
- behind it, the canal of the spinal cord is limited by the arc of the vertebra;
- In addition, he has spinous processes penetrated by openings for blood vessels.
But the cervical vertebra is not so arranged. Human anatomy allows you to understand why you need to be careful and for what reason injuries in the cervical region so often occur. The vertebrae in this area are small and very fragile. They almost all differ in size and shape. The first vertebra is called an “atlas”, it fastens the spine with a skull. In addition, in the lower part it is connected in a complex way to the second vertebra, which is called the “axis”. The sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae are also unusual in structure. This can be explained by the functions that they must perform. The special structure of the cervical vertebrae is necessary in order to protect the spinal cord, provide the necessary nutrition to the global brain and the ability to make various small head movements.
1 and 2 cervical vertebra
The topmost vertebra is called the Atlas. It is axial and has no body and spinous process. At this point, the spine connects to the occipital bone, and the spinal cord to the brain. This defines the special structure of the “Atlas”: it consists of two arcs bordering the spinal canal. The anterior of them forms a small tubercle in the front, and in the back - a hollow that is combined with the tooth-like process of the second vertebra. On the back arch there is a groove in which the vertebral artery is located . The articular part of the “atlant” is convex above and flat below.
The fact that he occupies an intermediate position between the spine and the head explains why this structure has the first cervical vertebra. Anatomy also considers the features of the second vertebra, which is called the "axis". It has a pointed “tooth”, on which, as on a hinge, the “atlas” rotates with its head. This structure of the second cervical vertebra provides the ability to perform rotational movements of the head and inclinations. There is no
intervertebral disc between the “alanthus” and the “axis”
; they form a complex joint like a joint. Therefore, often injuries occur in this place that disrupt the nutrition of the brain.
6 and 7 cervical vertebrae
The spine is expanding downward. The largest here is the 7th cervical vertebra. He even stands out, and most people can grope him with his head tilted forward. Therefore, it is also called a speaker. It is on it that they are often guided when calculating the vertebrae. At the bottom, it has a recess. This is the junction with the first rib. 7 the cervical vertebra has another feature - the holes in its transverse processes are either too small or not at all. It has a long transverse and one large spinous process, which, unlike the others, is not bifurcated. A transverse vein passes through this vertebra, and it is the only one that has two pairs of nerve roots. Often in this place there is a deposition of salts and a protruding "withers" are formed. 6 cervical vertebra is also called "sleepy". He got this name because his front tubercle is located very close to the carotid artery, and if necessary, the doctor presses it to him to stop bleeding.
Other vertebrae: characteristic
For the normal functioning of the human body, the cervical spine must be very mobile. This is ensured by its special structure. The third to sixth human cervical vertebrae are very small. The holes in their body are quite large, similar in shape to a triangle. The upper edges of the vertebrae protrude slightly, forming sides. Their articular processes are short and located slightly at an angle. 3, 4 and 5 of the cervical vertebra have still small transverse processes and spinous splitted at the edges. In the transverse processes are openings for blood vessels. It is through them that the main vertebral artery, which feeds the brain, passes.
What is such a structure for?
The human body is built wisely, there is nothing superfluous in it, and all the details carry out some functions. This is especially true for the cervical spine. The special structure of his vertebrae is necessary to ensure better mobility in the neck, as well as to protect the brain and spinal cord. Often it is on the condition of this part of the spinal column that human health depends.
Such a complex connection of the vertebrae is designed to protect the spinal trunk and blood vessels from damage. And the structure of the cervical vertebrae with many processes allows you to increase the area of attachment of many muscles to them. Indeed, in this section the human spine is the most mobile. A special connection between the vertebrae, although less reliable, but more functional.
Injuries to the cervical spine
They can occur as a result of a blow to the neck, a strong blow to the head or a fall. Even a sharp tilt or rotation of the head can lead to injury to the cervical vertebrae. Often this happens when diving into the water in a shallow place. In many cases, such injuries end in death. Even if a fracture or dislocation is successfully cured, serious complications can develop. Indeed, the vertebrae and intervertebral discs in this place are so fragile that they react to any sudden movements or blows to the head. Sometimes it happens that the consequences of the injury do not immediately appear, since small cracks in the articular processes of the vertebrae are not visible even on x-rays. And their consequences can be serious. What are the most common injuries in the cervical spine:
- ligament tears;
- intervertebral disc ruptures;
- subluxation and dislocation of the vertebrae;
- displacement of the vertebrae;
- fractures.
Why such damage is dangerous
Even small changes in the structure of the vertebrae entail various ailments and diseases. For example, with the appearance of a hernia or pathologies of the intervertebral discs, the following symptoms may appear:
- headache;
- dizziness;
- general weakness;
- impaired gait, speech or vision.
This is due to the fact that the vertebral artery and blood vessels that feed the brain are compressed. With serious injuries, there is a risk that damaged vertebrae will affect the spinal canal. This can lead to paralysis, malfunctioning of the heart, or death. Damage to the spine in the cervical spine is also due to the fact that it is not always possible to immediately determine the severity of the injury. Sometimes only motion pain or swelling testifies to it.
How to treat cervical pathology
In case of spinal injuries, it is very important to start treatment immediately to prevent complications. The most important thing is to fix the neck in a fixed position. This must be done so that damaged vertebrae do not injure the spinal cord or blood vessels.
This is done using a special semi-rigid corset. If there are no neurological disorders, treatment can be carried out at home, but after a doctor’s examination. In case of minor injuries, it is necessary to limit motor activity and fix the neck in a fixed position using a special hard collar. In the early days, you can use cold compresses or
novocaine blockade for severe pain. Then physiotherapeutic procedures, massage are shown, and during the recovery period - physiotherapy exercises.